Skill, Technique and Music Theory

Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra - This is the first class for orchestra. Students will focus on learning the basics of playing string instruments such as violin, viola, cello and the bass.

Prerequisite: Class fee

Intermediate Orchestra - Mainly comprised of second and third year players. This class focuses on building fundamental skills including instrument technique and music theory. This class also focuses on building a comprehensive understanding of music history and repertoire. Students are expected to purchase their own instrument. A limited supply of instruments will be available for rent.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval. Class fee is required.

Honors Symphonic Orchestra -

Advanced Orchestra is open to advanced musicians. This ensemble focuses on building advanced technique skills and performing rigorous repertoire. Advanced Orchestra performs annually at the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) festival. Students are expected to purchase their own instrument if they play violin or viola. A limited supply of instruments will be available for rent.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval. Class fee is required.

Fundamental Music, Technical skill and musical lives

Band

Beginning Band -open to all students interested in learning to play a band instrument. Instruments offered include flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Students are expected to purchase their own instrument. A limited supply of instruments will be available for rent.

Class fee is required.

Intermediate Band - mainly comprised of second and third year players. This class focuses on developing fundamental musical and technical skills that students will continue to build on throughout their musical lives. Students are expected to purchase their own instrument. A limited supply of instruments will be available for rent.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval. Class fee is required.

Honors Advanced Band - open to advanced musicians. Students must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and teacher approval prior to enrolling in Advanced Band. Students must also audition to be placed into this ensemble. The focus of this class is on performing quality repertoire and building comprehensive knowledge of music theory, history, and repertoire. This ensemble performs annually at the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) festival. Students are expected to purchase their own instrument. A limited supply of instruments will be available for rent.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval. Class fee is required.

Broadway, Pop and Jazz

Choir

Concert Choir - All types of music are studied in this course, including folk, sacred, secular, traditional, and modern. Music theory and sight-reading are an integral part of the instructional program. This choir performs at several school and community functions; all pupils are expected to participate in these performances. Extra practice outside of class is expected of each choir member. Minimal requirements for this course include participation in a maximum of three festivals and/or competitions and four school concerts.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval and audition. Ninth grade students may be included with the approval of the teacher. Class fee is required.

Mens Chorus - This class includes a study of the vocal performance skills of the young male singer through the principles of good posture, efficient breathing, rich tonal quality, and effective communication. The four elements of singing will be stressed: respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation. This group will perform at four school concerts and at two community concerts per semester. It is not necessary to audition for this class.

Prerequisite: None. Class fee is required.

Womens Chorus - The literature for this group will be chosen from compositions written especially for female singers. Voice placement and vocal support will be stressed. Basic music theory and sight reading skills will be incorporated into each class period. Students are required to participate in four school concerts.

Prerequisite: None. Class fee is required.

Vocal Ensemble Pop & Elite (Athenians and Venus) - This is a highly selective, small ensemble that studies vocal jazz, Broadway, and popular music. Ideally, the students selected can perform instrumentally as well as vocally. This group performs often for community functions, and students are expected to attend each performance. Students will be selected from the membership of the major choral performing groups. Requirements for this course include participation in a minimum of one festival and/or competition and four school concerts. Participation in a minimum of eight community concerts per semester will be expected for a student to earn a higher than passing grade. Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) eligibility rules apply for CHSAA sponsored competitive events.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval and audition. Class fee is required.

Improvisation, Pantomime and Acting

Theatre

Introduction to Theatre Arts - Introduction to Theatre Arts provides students with opportunities to explore, investigate, and experience many aspects of theatre in order to become knowledgeable, responsible theatergoers and informed theatre participants. Units may include: improvisation, pantomime and theatre games; stage movement and acting; play reading and analysis; and elements of production. All students enrolled in theatre arts classes at all levels will participate in or attend at least four theatrical productions or complete an alternative assignment approved by the teacher. A fee may be required for supplies.Introduction to Theatre Arts MAY NOT be taken for Language Arts credit. Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts and/or teacher approval.

Technical Theatre - Students will have the opportunity to study a play from script through production. Units may include scenic design, building, painting, lighting, sound, costuming, and theatre management. All students enrolled in theatre arts classes at all levels will participate in or attend theatrical productions or complete an alternative assignment approved by the teacher.

Theatre Arts 2 & 3 - Theatre Arts 2 examines the development of theatre history. Students also study acting styles from various historical periods. Additional units may include improvisation, pantomime, play reading and analysis, and elements of production. All students enrolled in theatre arts classes at all levels will participate in or attend at least four theatrical productions or complete an alternative assignment approved by the teacher. A fee may be required for supplies. Theatre Arts MAY NOT be taken for Language Arts credit. Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts and/or teacher approval.

Performing Arts